Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage of Legislation to Remove Nelson Mandela from Terrorists List

Removal of Mandela and African National Congress from Terrorists List Long Overdue

Washington - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) stood on the floor of the House of Representatives late last evening asking for unanimous consent for passage of HR 5690, legislation to finally remove former South African president Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) from the list of organizations considered to be terrorists.

Both Mandela and members of the ANC have been on the U.S. Terrorist Watch List since the 1970s.

In a statement on the House floor, Congresswoman Lee stated, “Despite his legacy as a hero of the antiapartheid movement, Nelson Mandela’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and his election as President of South Africa in 1994, Nelson Mandela continues to be included on the United States terrorist watch list due to his leadership and participation with the African National Congress.”

Inclusion on the list has meant that Mandela and members of the ANC have had to obtain a visa waiver under the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to enter the United States.

Since the bill was initially introduced, Congresswoman Lee worked tirelessly with fellow Californian Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the bill, and fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Her hard work came to fruition last night.

“On July 18, President Mandela will turn 90 years old,” stated Congresswoman Lee. “And so as a fitting tribute to his legacy and to the many others who fought against apartheid, I am so pleased that we finally passed this bill so that the African National Congress and President Mandela can be removed from the terrorist watch list. “

The measure is headed to the White House to be signed by the President.

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